The following reviews are those that I come across on
the web, in guide books, from contributors and of course from my own
visits. Reviewers may be unreasonably harsh and bar owners may present a
rosy picture of their bars...so don't take everything at face value...go
and see for yourself.

I stayed at the Barracuda Bar, Naklua Road for
my last 8 days. The rooms are good. Only downside is the music from
the bar which can go on till 3am some nights. No good if you retire
early.

A standard room is 700B. They do have a VIP room
at 850B which has all new furniture and personal gold package True
cable box.

The bar is always busy later in the afternoon
and in the evening. Tony the UK owner and his Thai wife host parties
regularly. Happy hour Singha 55B and 70B in the evening. Lady drinks
are a very reasonable 95B. Always a good selection of girls there,
most of them very pretty. I counted 16 girls on the Friday when
there was a party on. They have stopped serving food but you can
order from nearby restaurants.

Review by Swanks, Sept 2006: Well done that man

Considering the latest owner of this long standing Brit and Aussie
enclave has never had a bar before he's certainly getting something
right! He seems to be showing the "I've been in this game for 20 years
and know everything there is to know" type of Publicans that come here
to start a bar, just how it should be done!

The staff are very
welcoming and there are some really stunning lookers. They all seem 'at
ease' with the management and there is every variation from chubby (MMM,
says swanks) to one that easily could be on TV here, she's really that
pretty!

The food menu offers both Farang and Thai food and I must
admit, it seemed a bit on the expensive side!

One of the lads
ordered a sandwich, cleared his plate, and had to go home early that
night as he was too full to drink! The portions were just HUGE and he
said it was that good he had to eat it all. We tried to help but he
managed to keep us at bay with a fork, so serves him right in my
opinion!

If I lived a bit nearer I would welcome this pub as my
"Local" but there seemed enough people to fill the bar even though other
bars on the road were empty!

I was rather suckered into this one thinking that I could partake in
locally brewed Weisenbier. However the 'brau' or brewery part of the bar
seemed to be down or defunct. There were a couple of imported bottles
available but it was a pretty naff selection and was very pricy.

The aircon was deficient too which made for a pretty brief meal. A
bit of a shame as the food was very good.

The inside restaurant is
free of hostesses but in the front beer garden there is a small bar that
is staffed by ladyboys

The Bar seems to have taken a break and been re-modelled as a
Schnitzel Haus. Previously the Butterfly Pub

February 2006:

Their food is excellent and is freshly cooked.

Has been closed for a 3 weeks due to a holiday but has now re-opened.

Summer 2005:

Heiner and Lee run a clean and pleasant bar with low booze prices and
about ten more or less appealing take-away girls. Beer, soft drinks and
Thai whisky are reasonably priced with a 20 Baht supplement if bought as
lady drinks. Thai and mainly German food is available (the Frikadellen
are very tasty) They had to change their venue as some of the
shops north of the 711 on the corner of Soi Casa, Jomtien will be
demolished soon to make way for yet another 4 rai, 32 storey mega-hotel.

The restaurant was founded by former Minister of Health, Mechai
Viravaidya, as a way to raise funds for his personally-funded birth
control programs and AIDS education and awareness efforts in Thailand.

It really is very easy to write this restaurant review and not say a
thing about the food. I could start with the resort instead: The lush
tropical jungle, the manicured gardens, the whimsical and
tongue-in-cheek anti-government signs posted around the grounds ("Don't
steal, the government doesn't like competition"), the ponds and streams
and fountains and pools, the private villas, oceanside bungalows, and
wonderfuly decorated rooms (ranging from $75 to $180 per night for
rooms, and up to $360 per night for suites)... it's simply fantastic.

The restaurant, which is reached by a long walk through the jungle
grounds, is a monstrous, sprawling teakwood structure perched on — and
continuing down — the hill overlooking the resort's private beach. It
has 5 levels of covered and uncovered decking which in size makes this
one of Pattaya's largest restaurants. However, with the decks built
around the trees (so that it seems that not a single tree was cut down
in the restaurant's construction). Not a single opportunity to impress,
not a single detail has been missed in this restaurant. It is simply
beautiful.

The food? It is fine. Quite good even. The menu is primarily mainstream
Thai dishes, although there are most of the standby Western favorites
for the less adventurous. The best part is that it's quite inexpensive:
Most of the Thai entre้s are in the 200 baht ($6) range, with the larger
and more top-shelf dishes (filet mignon, grilled seabass) in the 300-400
baht ($9-12) range. Soups, appetizers, sandwiches, and other light fare
are in the 75-150 baht ($2-4) range.

It's really quite simple to sum up Cabbages & Condoms restaurant: If you
have people visiting from out of town, if you want a quiet romantic
dinner, or if you have a large party, then you should go to Cabbages &
Condoms. It should be at the very top of every person's list for
restaurants... for places... that every person should visit while in
Pattaya.

News Jan 2007: Fine Dining and an
Inflated Bill

I decided to dine in one of those upmarket restaurants where they scam
their customers by printing prices less VAT and not including the
mandatory 10% service tip.

Cabbages and Condoms at the bottom of Pratamnak Hill (on Soi Asia) is a
fine example. It looks great in a jungle setting complete with water
vapour jets. The beach views make for a fine setting too.

I ordered my meal only to be politely told 5 minutes later that the
kitchen had run out of my choice. No problems, I selected another dish.
The alternative option was good and much enjoyed.

The falang food selection is a little limited, particularly when some of
the combinations are somewhat unappealing. I quite fancied a lamb steak
but didn't really want mashed potato with it.

Everything was fine until the inevitable check bin. The expensive bill
had predictably been inflated by adding in both the unavailable dish and
the replacement.

The mistake was quickly rectified and the cashier was also happy to
waive the service charge in atonement.

To say the Dining Out Team was impressed would be an
understatement. The ambience is wonderful, with a French provincial
feel to it. There is even an old black and white photograph of a Caf้
des Amis either in Vientiane or Hanoi, as well as some old Parisian
scenes.

The bar area is comfortable, you do not feel rushed, and you can
even eat there if you wish. Inside the dining area it is more
classical Thai, but the table settings are classical European.

The food was of a high standard, and certainly not overpriced. It
was a most enjoyable evening, and Caf้ des Amis definitely does get
a very high recommendation from both Madame and myself. Do try it,
you will not be disappointed.

Located across Second Road from the old Shenanigans in the same
back-from-the-street area as Ruen Thai restaurant, Casa Pascal is quite
simply the best restaurant in Pattaya (price notwithstanding) in my
opinion.

The decor is handsome, the wait staff is perfect, and every dish is a
learning experience. Not a single opportunity for service is missed: You
can even call 038-723-660 for Pascal's personal limousine service to
come pick you up from wherever you are, and drop you off after your
meal.

We chose to have the 2,900 baht ($87) "Gourmet Set Menu", which was a
7-plate meal, with unlimited beverages. (If you find the price a bit
much, you can have the same meal for 1,450 baht ($44) without the
all-you-can-drink option.) In London or New York, a meal like this would
run into the hundreds-of-dollars range.

I know it is not the classiest joint you can find, and his TV adverts
probably put off as many people as they attract, but it was actually
rather good and incredible value. He does an English breakfast at 60baht
and one he charmingly calls the 'Fat Bastard' at 100baht. I had the Fat
Bastard and it was very good. It came with tea and toast and butter and
had everything: bacon, 2 sausages, 2 eggs, black pudding, fried bread,
mushrooms, beans etc the lot. Incredible value at 100 baht. And quick
service as well.

Looking at his prices Crazy Dave's must be one of the best value places
in Pattaya. Certainly, worth a trip up the soi if you fancy farang food
in the middle of the night.

Oh yes, 'Only Fools and Horses' was on the big screen TV whilst I was
there.

March 2006: Cheap Chang

Best thing about it is the atmosphere (feels like it's been there for
30 years, very comfortable) and the 35 baht Chang. Love the grilled ham
& cheese.

Due (Italian for two I guess) is a
Belgian owned restaurant on the left-hand side of Soi Siam Country
Club, about halfway between Butterfly Bar and La Guinguette and more
or less opposite SP Village 5.

There is a small car park in front of it.

AFAIK it is the only decent restaurant at the
Dark Side since the disappearance of Manneken Pis.

It is slightly more expensive than most
restaurants in Pattaya, but the portions are very generous and the
beef is of top quality.

They also have pizzas on offer and their bread
appears to be baked in the pizza oven.

I am occasional visitor to Soi 4. My last intended visit was
curtailed when my mate said it looks more like a motorway service
station than a bar or Thai restaurant so we ended up in the more
traditionally Thai Cabbages and Condoms next door.

The latest time I stayed for a couple of drinks. For the cost
conscience the bar does a perfectly good draft beer for 45 Baht in a
decent sized glass so no probs there.

But really the bar no longer looks or feels like a bar any more, just
a rather large eaterie.

Review May 2008: Restaurant
Prices

The food has always been pretty good, never been the cheapest, but
decent enough quality and large portions and again my Beef hot pot
didn't let me down, no complaints what so ever with the food.

Now the drink prices. They must have doubled the prices, a can of coke
60 baht and a bottle of Singha now selling at 95 baht. Doesn't even have
air con.

News Jan 2008: Restaurant
Expansion

The bar area is now completely restaurant seating. Unfortunately it
looks a little like motorway service area seating. There is a live band
though, to up the stakes.

News Aug 2007: More Works

The builders are in. The bar is being extended down one side. It
looks like an auditorium like affair is being built in the bar area at
the back

News July 2006: Elephant
A-GoGo

The bar has installed facilities for GoGo dancing. Reportedly open
already but I haven't seen any reviews yet.

Enjoy André

Thappraya Soi 6

Enjoy
André

Restaurant and bar

Review from Dick Farang, September 2014:

Recently I have visited Enjoy Andre' restaurant
several times.

It is located on Thappraya Road Soi 6 (on the
way to Jomtien), a bit off the beaten track.

As it is partly open air, it is possible you
have to move further inside when it starts raining.

The owners are André from Limburg province in
Belgium, who lives in Thailand for 22 years, and Mai from Buriram,
his wife of 18 years.

Apart from an ample a la carte choice, they also
have a daily special, such as tomato soup-chicken-ice cream at 240
baht.

On Fridays they serve fresh sea fish.

On occasion they offer original Belgian
witloof (chicory in good old English, endive in American) or
Dutch maatjes (young immature raw herring; the Wikipedia
definition soused herring is rather misleading).

All dishes are home-made to the best Belgian
standards.

Their mashed potatoes (and hence their potato
croquettes) for instance are made from boiled potatoes, milk, butter
and egg yolks (very important) and spiced with nutmeg, pepper and
salt.

In order to ensure continuity, André and Mai
train their cooks themselves instead of hiring chefs.

Of course, they also offer typical Belgian
desserts such as pancakes, Brussels waffles and dark or white
chocolate mousse.

Since Mai Lu Si bar at their new location seem
to have given up selling Belgian beers, Enjoy Andre' without a doubt
has the broadest choice of Belgian beers in Pattaya nowadays.

The venue is well known in the Belgian, Dutch,
German and Swiss communities of Pattaya.

Flamboyant in Jomtien is still the best fine dining value... probably
in all of Thailand. Yes, I'm sure Flamboyant is cutting corners, or
skimping on ingredients, or something to keep prices down... but the
important part is that you can't tell. In Casa Pascal, you may pay
through the nose for your food, but you're eating truffles in champagne
sauce.

A stylish, classy renovation. The ebullient proprietor, Guido
Vietri has totally re-vamped the previous premises of Habitu and
created a snazzy, modern Italian restaurant with a most pleasing
ambiance and sophisticated designer touches.

The new Gian’s hits the spot in so many ways and is sure to please
Pattaya’s foodies. It combines traditional, healthy Italian cuisine
with an agreeable modern approach in an elegant and contemporary
interior but with a laid-back vibe.

Good well priced food at this bar and very well positioned for
checking out the talent at other bars as well as getting recon from
the expats and regulars that drink there.

Also a good bar to go to if you want to see any sporting events.

Good place to chill out if you aren't in the mood for a bar girl.

Review from Swanks, August 2006:
Tarred with a New Brush

The lightning struck tower of change has hit the Jack Tar big
time! The place is still inhabited by the same bawdy and good
natured ex-pat crowd with the odd tourist who thinks he has slipped
in unnoticed, but gone are the poisonous grim meanies and especially
the chief viper from the kitchen.

Not only was my visit well worth it for the food, but I got a
beaming smile , very friendly, very welcoming and attentive service
from some quite charming waiting and bar staff. Nothing seemed too
much trouble for them!

I thought I'd gone in the wrong bar by
mistake! Well worth a visit now! Don't forget its not a late night
place though, more for an afternoon of spirited debate , if you take
my drift!

Review from Swanks, April 2006:
Service with a Scowl

This always was a "Beer n Sport" bar and was previously very
welcoming.

Since the ousting of Scrumpy George by the bar girl mafia there,
it really has been the tail wagging the dog! George's management
style might have been a bit "Faulty Towers" ,but he managed to keep
a lid on what started as a bad attitude in the kitchen,and then
spread to the rest of the staff like clap at Loy Krathong. Now it
really has took hold and even the new Thai manager seem to have
mastered the lip curl (as used on social inferiors by Thais) . This
is issued on every possible occasion now and usually is accompanied
by "Knowing looks" between staff members. This attitude problem has
been mentioned to me by several of the former customers without my
saying anything first so it cant be just my imagination.

Beer still cheep and the food is possibly the best, for the
price, in Pattaya. Just don't expect service with a smile.

The first time I went there was reserved signs on the bar and
tables beside the bar where no one was sitting. I bought a drink and
was told by the bar staff I would need to leave the bar area as the
seats were all reserved. I said I would sit at the bar and move when
the people who reserved the seats arrived. I was told this was not
allowed and had to sit myself away from the bar area. Drank my drink
and said I would not be back.

Went again last night about a year after the first time to see if
things have changed.

What do you think? Exactly the same. Again the staff informed me
I could not sit at the reserved seats even though no one was sitting
at them.

Will not be back again.

Review from Pattaya Chat, March 2005: Good Track Record

Very nicely fitted out but like has already been said it is in
the middle of nowhere but that can be a good thing if you want a
quiet drink with a few friends away from the madness and there is
plenty of space for parking in the pub car park. The couple of times
I've been in the place it was pretty empty which is a shame really
as it could be a good boozer if it can get enough custom.

The
manager used to own Jools in Bkk about 10 years ago and also the TQ2
as well as managing Delaneys/Shenanigans and is a nice guy.

Great weekend carvery and wonderful staff. 50 Baht for a coke, 30
Baht for water

Review from Pattaya Chat, March 2005: Pea and Sham Soup!

Was one of the Manager's first customers when he had Jools in
Bangkok where portions were super-size, especially the Pea and Ham
soup. Therefore when I tried Jamesons a while back for lunch and saw
the aforementioned soup on the menu I decided that past experience
would prevail. Ordered Pea and Ham Soup and Roast Beef sandwich.

Soup arrived, a smattering of green sludge was deposited on the
bottom of the bowl. indeed not enough liquid to drown the proverbial
fly! The sandwich arrived, two miniscule pieces of bread buried
under a mass of rabbit fodder, specifically requested NOT to be
supplied! Somewhere there were two tiny slivers of meat, and I do
mean tiny!

The manager was called for who just laughed in my
face as I explained politely my dissatisfaction. Needless to say
never been back.

Had a really fantastic meal at this French restaurant, superb food at
reasonable price.

Review from Lindsay, Sept 2008:
Top Notch Grub

They have a special three course menu every night for 260 baht and it
is top notch grub.

L'Adresse

Soi Chayaphun

L'Adresse

Le Cap Bretton Restaurant and 69 Bar became L'Adresse in December
2014

News from Malcolm, December 2014: Still French

Le Cap Bretton & 69 Bar has changed hands
and names. It's Now called L'adresse. The new guy there is
Erwan also French. He told me he took over about week ago and that
Angie and her husband have gone back to France due to illness. Same layout as
before.

Le Cap Bretton Restaurant and 69 Bar

Soi Chayaphun

Le Cap Bretton Restaurant and 69 Bar

Restaurant and bar became L'Adresse in December 2014

Review from Malcolm, December 2013: Pearl

This really is a pearl in the ocean, hidden
behind a row of potted plants you could very easily miss it. French
owned, French Chef and excellent food. Angie, front of house a
lovely lady. When you get fed up of rice and fancy a steak or one of
there specials this is the place. Thai food is available for those
that prefer a local dish.

I've had nothing but good reports from my friends who have dined
here. It's been my experience that quality steakhouse restaurants are
not available in Pattaya and that includes the ones mentioned above. My
friends report that some of the side a la carte dishes are nothing
special and can be avoided if you want to cut-corners on the tab.

The prices are equivalent to a good quality steakhouse here in the
U.S. (not that bad considering cost to import quality beef).

Prices for food were reasonable, and the dining room was clean and
bright with new furniture and pleasant-enough decor. The staff seemed
generally competent and the service was error-free. Everything was more
than acceptable for an establishment that isn't focused exclusively on
food.

Overall, Ricky's on Soi Buakhow is a nice little restaurant serving
reasonably-priced, high quality British food. Definitely worth a visit
for a middle-of-the-road budget combined with a good appetite.

A lovely little courtyard open-air restaurant with pools, waterfalls,
trees, plants, live music, and a Friday-night, all-you-can-eat steak
plus food buffet for 300 baht. On nights other than Friday, they
serve a regular menu. The steak was simply great... nice and tender.

There really isn't more to the restaurant or the meal than that; but
what else do you need? For 300 baht, you can gorge yourself on steak
which at other restaurants would cost you 2 or 3 times as much, if not
more.

If you're not a fan of steak, you have a very nice buffet served in a
very nice setting. It's nothing overly special, but then again when you
think about it: It is.

Themed English pub with food but no hostesses. From the same team as
the Ali Baba restaurant located above the restaurant. However word
of mouth advertising did not pan out for the restaurant so it was
rebranded as Bennigans in October 2007, see entry above

Palmer's is reasonably hassle free, at least from the ladies, but it is
a sign of the economic times that the watch vendors et al, are getting
pretty consistent in their sales pitches, and they do not appear to be
discouraged by the simple 'miaow khrap' anymore, more difficult to shake
off than a bogey stuck to your middle finger!

Long lasting bar run by an English guy who used to be a cook in the
armed forces.

A few girls, some of whom go as they say, and some reasonable English
food and decent drinks prices. Draught is 55 baht a glass. A lot of
older guys hang out there and he gets a lot of repeat business.

Patrick's Belgian Restaurant occupies a double
unit in the old arcade, which is off Second Road, opposite Mike's
Shopping Mall and parallel to Soi Diana Inn (Pattayasaisong 13).

I am surprised that some people seem to find
this a good restaurant.

I always follow my own nose and I always only
pass judgement on what I find on my dish. IMNSHO several restaurants
in this arcade are tourist traps, just like the ones on Walking
Street.

I have been to Patrick's Belgian Restaurant
twice and in my experience it was each time bad and too expensive.
The table cloths were not clean and the staff not too friendly. The
soups tasted stale as if they had been warming up for hours.

The main dishes were less than average too: once
Flemish rabbit and once sole.

I have to admit that I have never found real
sole (Dover sole in English) in a restaurant in Thailand. In fact
usually some kind of farmed freshwater fish, probably frozen
pangasius fillets (often marketed as pacific dory) or tilapia
fillets or something similar, is served. Foodland Supermarket
occasionally sells fresh whole slip soles (small soles). Real soles
are (saltwater) flatfish and hence have both eyes on the same side
and are easily recognizable.

The only good things about Patrick's Belgian
Restaurant were the desserts: once profiteroles and once chocolate
mousse. I doubt however if those desserts are home made.

Review from Materialsman, Nov 2008: Heavenly Profiteroles

On to last evening’s entertainment, we kicked off with another splendid
meal at Patrick’s Belgian Restaurant opposite the back of Mike’s Mall,
consistently had good meals there over the years, and last night was no
exception, steak in a Roquefort blue cheese sauce, followed by a plate of
heavenly profiteroles.

One of Pattaya's fanciest, prettiest, and oldest restaurants (founded
1984)

The restaurant compound is built out of a gorgeous old teakwood Thai
house. The decor was great, the music was great.

There are 2 dining rooms: one where you sit in chairs; and one where you
sit on the floor.

Predictably high prices of course, about 2.5 times
those in more straightforward restaurants.

So would I recommend the
place? Sure... just as long as you know what the price is going to be,
and that what is defined as the best Thai food in Pattaya is, to my
palate at least, not too much different from restaurants that cost half
as much. But, it is a nice place to spend an evening with friends or as
a couple, and the Thai girls love it. (Just don't let them see the bill
at the end of the night.)

I like it a lot but it is 50/50 sometimes good, sometimes not, by
good I mean the fish and chips cooked nicely, more fish than batter, not
too greasy, the tartar sauce is always lovely. I would settle for the
Pig but am annoyed about how unpredictable they are.

The best falang food in Pattaya. Fish, chips and mushy pea's being my
number 1. Enough said.

Review April 2007: Unwelcoming

The restaurant was busy, not full. The welcome girl suggested a
crappy table by the door and I suggested that I would prefer somewhere
else. She decided the restaurant was full and showed me to the door.
Never again.

I love to start the day here where I can be assured of a nice
refreshing pint.

The pub is very comfortable, and I like to sit
by the window, and do a spot of people-watching, or sit near a TV screen
and watch a few music videos or read the sport in the Bangkok Post.

The food in my experience, is always good . Full English breakfast ,
highly recommended. While most Farangs seem to order Fish and Chips,
steak and so on, I've enjoyed many great Thai meals here , Green Chicken
Curry, Stir fry Thai noodle with Pork, all good stuff, fresh, tasty, and
cheap.

Girls (staff) wear cute little blue dresses too, nice and
short!

A pint of Guinness is 160 Baht

November 2005:
Comfortable

Pig N Whistle is good, they have comfortable seats and a nice decor.

Noted for week in week out reliability. Around Bt189 for beef or pork
and another Bt100 or so for lamb. Note that it's not carvery

I did pop by once before when I thought it would be good to watch the
last England vs Australia test match in an 'a traditional English pub'.
I popped out quick quick when they were showing American tennis! This
leads me to doubt that there is any actual English connection to this
bar.

Anyway I eventually visited again (TVs were off this time).

The bar is pleasantly decorated and features rows of tankards and
glasses suspended from the ceiling.

The tables overlooking the short time bars are popular, presumably
people like to feed one type of hunger whilst considering their options
over the other type of hunger.

The range of farang beers was good but I stuck with draft tiger at 60
Baht (the bottled option was 70 Baht).

Newspapers are available for the short while it takes to knock up the
food. The menu was extensive and the food was good but not exceptional.
They probably take similar high quality boil in the bag/microwave
catering supplies as other fine farang food restaurants in Pattaya.

Not many customers were lingering after eating though, there are
better things to do in Soi 6

From Queen Victoria Inn

A traditional English pub in the heart of Soi 6 where you can have a
drink or traditional English cooking with no hassle. Live sport on large
screen TV on Saturday and Sunday.

Note that this is not a short time
bar as per the majority of those in Soi 6

Seating is comfortable and cosy in the forefront with a dining room
to the left and a huge bar at the rear where drinkers can sit and watch
the big-screen TV.

The Red Lion has a leisurely opening at 11.00 am when the full range of
the pub’s breakfasts and morning snack foods can be enjoyed. The big
breakfast comes with unlimited tea or coffee and doubles up on
everything, i.e sausages, bacon, eggs, toast, masses of baked beans, all
the works. It costs B.150 for a Fred Flintstone start to the day with a
smaller one for Wilma at B.110.

About 200 yards after Pattaya Hill Village, on left hand side. large
English type bar. inside and outside dinner areas. Pool table. No
girlies. popular with Brits who live in the Moobans around it. Food
quite expensive for the location.

We went there for lunch last year 2007. The waitress was rude to my
wife, the pork roast I could have repaired my shoes with the rubbish and
we were the only customers there at the time and I’m not surprised if
what we were served up with is the norm.

Maybe it was our turn to have their bad experience or it was an off day
but the place isn’t cheap. I’m in the industry and I don’t bother to
complain, I just don’t go back however after having great meals at
Secrets and the French restaurant towards the end of Walking Street Le
Notte, and Sailors Bar in Soi 8 what a disappointment.

Rosie’s promotes themselves as a traditional English, Continental and
Thai food establishment so maybe they are not training their staff to
cover such a range of fare. Or as I said maybe it was an off day.

2006:

I had the fish & chips special and it was very good, at least for us
American guys.

2005:

A highly regarded restaurant next door to the Pig & Whistle. Has
received several nominations for best roast dinner in Pattaya

Beer bar and restaurant. Norwegian owned with Norwegian Food. It is
presented more as a restaurant than a beer bar.

Reader review March 2007:
Good Grub

I ate breakfast in the Sailor Inn twice in March 2007. It was the
best breakfast I've ever had anywhere in Thailand in more than 20 years
of coming back to The Land of Smiles. The meals were enormous and
delicious as well as great value.

I quite like Secrets as a concept, and I am a regular contributor to
their website Forum, though I do consider they charge like a wounded
rhinoceros for my favoured bottled Heineken, thus forcing me to drink
the draft beer Tiger on my visits here, I don't have a problem paying
outrageous prices for a bottled beer in a Go-Go, where there is acres of
naked flesh on display, but I feel that in a Coyote style Bar, the
pricing in Club Blu or the Honeypot is more to my liking.

Secrets is what it is, a sort of Cheers style Bar where
everyone knows your name and was busy as always, a very successful
business concept, perhaps partly, but not singularly due to the
ubiquitous and gregarious Manager Larry, though last night I felt
the Mamasan was a bit hasty in trying to thrust a girl at me for
company, actually before I had even got my first beer, that may be
fine for a shy newbie, but I like to take my time and actually
select a cutie to sit with me, it's a minor irritation, but I guess it
worked, as I felt obliged to buy a lady drink and swap idle
where you come from,' 'what's your name' style crap until I
could beat a retreat.

Info Dec 2008: Prices

Barfines for hostesses are 450 Baht. 1000 Baht for dancers before
midnight (including afternoons until 3pm) and 600 Baht after midnight.
Draft Tiger is 60 Baht

Service was good, there were a shit load of girlies and a good load
of them hot, the pizza we ordered was spanking, and the ale was cold.

Review April 2007: Lonely
(but Good Food)

The general Pattaya rule is that bars employ hostesses but
restaurants generally avoid them.

I thought it would be nice to have meal with company rather than the
usual eating alone so I stopped by Secrets as one of the few bars that
combine girls with food (and aircon)

Unfortunately the way that Secrets hook up the girls with customers
is pretty naff and it wasn't to be. The girls were lined up just inside
the door and they were a pretty mixed bunch. A couple of oldies were the
first to catch my eye in the short time that you to make a choice. My
body language sent out distress signals to alert the two oldies that
they shouldn't bother trying their luck. Unfortunately the whole pack of
girls caught the same distress signals and the whole lot ignored me for
the entire visit.

Once inside and having time to survey the scene it seems that many
customers were sitting there lonely and that the girls would either
ignore them all or else flock around a few big spending, big character
types that were probably regulars. They clearly were enjoying the
attention so there are surely a few good reviews deserved by the bar.

Still I pressed on with the food order and the service was prompt and
efficient.

The meal was very good and the chef had made a fine effort to put a
little style and originality into basic pub food.

Just a shame that no hostesses so much as glanced in my direction.

Info Dec 2006: Prices

Barfines for hostesses are 400 Baht.
1000 Baht for dancers before midnight and 600 Baht
after midnight.

Review by jj, Dec 2006: Keep it a
SECRET

The only ones likely to be spread a word of mouth ad for Secrets are
the investors. This place is best kept a secret from seasoned punters.

We found ourselves on Walking Street a bit before the angel-hour of
8PM. The first group of hello-girls we encountered south of Pattaya Tai
were touting Secrets . They promised "sexy girls". Being easily swayed,
we fell for the ploy.

Secrets is one of those beautifully
appointed bars that cost the investors a large fortune to outfit. It's
attraction stops there. At that early hour, there were perhaps 20-25
ladies in residence. For the most part they were completely ignoring the
3-5 punters present. They were arranged in gaggles of 4-6, deeply
engaged in conversation among themselves; one group surrounding a video
game machine near the side door. Everything the previous reviewers said
about this place: seating, music, oldies and fatties is completely true.
Three large flat-screen TVs were showing a concert video -- with the
sound off. The DJ was playing the standard CD that the Thai government
seemingly issues with every liquor license. Drink prices were going rate
except for something called "Secrets Cocktails" of unspecified
ingredients for 280 baht!

Likely the investors will pepper sites like this with rave reviews
in hopes of recouping their funds. With the competition on Walking
Street alone, I give this place a year at most before they pull the
plug.

Review Sept 2006: Suay

The bar is immediately attractive. It features a central bar with
comfortable chairs at the bar. There are bays of couch seating around
the back. Lighting and decoration is spot on.

There are dancing poles with girls in disco wear.

Bottled Tiger Beer was very reasonable at 50 Baht. San Miguel,
spirits and lady drinks are 95 Baht

I didn't stay long though as the hostess who attached herself to me
was an oldie. In fact the girls on the prowl in my vicinity weren't a
very attractive bunch but I did spot a couple of pretty girls around the
other side of the bar.

Caused a bit of stir on the Pattaya forums when a free beer coupon
was not honoured even when agreed with the staff before the order. The
coupon had apparently expired but this was not printed on the coupon.

The consensus of opinion is that the food is relatively expensive but
that the real English chips are very good.

Nice place.. food typical Brit style.. beer a bit pricy for there
but oh well a few guys sitting around and drinking beer.. clean..
nice people.. friendly.. food OK.. had dinner.. so do not know about
the Breakfasts.. but good quality and quantity.

Review from Pattaya Chat, June 2006:
Well Run Gaff

Been in there a couple of times, seems like a well run gaff and the
kao pad gai I had was certainly very nice.

Was in there last
night having a few beers with a couple of friends and the owner and
felt quite at home, they have San Miguel light which I've never had
before but seemed like a decent enough drop of booze and certainly
set me on the way. Also have draught Bass.

There is ample
parking behind the complex, just turn off 2nd Road and drive
straight though past Tropical berts on your right and you'll se the
car park.

The bar is bigger, has 4 TVs, high speed internet for customers and
the food is even better than before with the acquisition of a new chef,
Josh ex Shenanigans and Queen Vic. The beer is cheaper than most beer
bars. A good place to chill out away from the chaos that is much of
Pattaya.

Wi’s restaurant has adopted the philosophy of “enjoyable food at
enjoyable prices”. The restaurant only opened its doors two months ago
but already they have a loyal following of regulars who appreciate their
three “p’s” of performance, i.e. professionalism, pricing and
presentation.

A big airy terrace for al fresco dining leads into a relaxed
air-conditioned area. The menu is a very nice collection of
predominately European cuisine (with Swiss over-tones) and a good
selection of Thai favourites.

We gave Wi’s a big tick. Good quality produce at affordable prices,
cooked with tip top professionalism and served in a relaxed and
laid-back ambiance hits the spot in anyone’s book. This is the sort of
local gem that will become a firm favourite and have its regulars
returning again and again.

A great place to watch the Premiership football at the weekend They
have six different screens each showing a different game so your likely
to catch your team. The food wasn’t great though.

Review August 2007: Your
Typical Pub

Strange for a themed pub but the restaurant appeared a little
formulaic. There are several 'English' pubs in Pattaya, none of them
offer hostesses for a chat with your meal, all expect you to be
interested in the sport on TV and all seem to buy their meals from the
same microwave/Boil in the bag catering suppliers.

Still the service was good, the meals were inexpensive, they were
perfectly good quality and had good sized portions.

Now if only I could find an 'English' pub that would supply a pretty
dinner companion.

Pattaya bars most likely to be listed are those
that occupy a permanent looking standalone building. Beer bars in
complexes will not be listed unless mentioned in dispatches.
Gay/Thai/Karaoke bars are not listed due to a lack of expertise in those
areas. Gogo bars are listed on a separate page. I have added food
reviews but this is not a comprehensive service. I will only list
eateries where people have submitted comments

The following reviews are those that I come across on
the web, in guide books, from contributors and of course from my own
visits. Reviewers may be unreasonably harsh and bar owners may present a
rosy picture of their bars...so don't take everything at face value...go
and see for yourself. Click on the street name to obtain a map of the
bar area.

And a couple of words of warning:

In short time rooms...keep an eye on your wallet
to ensure that it stays with you long time.

To those with Thai wives, be aware of the motor
cycle taxi network used to keep tabs on errant husbands.